PDC/Puerto Morelos
 

Any advice on the local currency. Is it necessary to convert cash into the Mexican form of currency (peso)?

You will probably save money if you change US dollars into pesos. If you pay in US dolllars many places just figure 10 pesos per dollar, when really the exchange rate is over 11. We used ATM's in Isla Mujeres in Janaury, withdrew 1500 pesos at a time. When the bank statement came, it was $135.00, not $150.00 that was taken from our account.

Thanks JeanH and Managers-
So many question concerning my first trip. Of course money is always a concern. Anything else useful you think I might need to know would be TRULY appreciated.

Steve, I guess I'm confused. If you purchase something from a store or restaurant in Playa for 200 pesos and give them a twenty dollar bill you'll get change? Last year when we were in Playa the exchange rate was quite a bit closer to 10 to 1 so it didn't seem to make as much difference.

Yes you should get change-about 20P
Good luck--most likely it will not happen.
That is why it is best to go to a Cambio and get pesos